British Cycling Bans Trans Athletes From Women's Competitions

    Photo: Wikimedia Commons

    The Facts

    • After a nine-month review, British Cycling on Friday banned transgender women from female competitions.

    • The organization stated that transgender women will now compete in an "open category," replacing the men's division and further including transgender men and non-binary individuals.


    The Spin

    Left narrative

    The data used by British Cycling in order to reach its conclusion is problematic, with some cited authors holding a history of discrimination against trans women. The policy set is a dangerous one, especially at a time when trans people are facing extreme levels of discrimination and violence against them. On this measure, British Cycling will sit on the wrong side of history.

    Right narrative

    Separate sporting divisions for men and women exist because the male and female bodies are different far beyond hormone levels. Even with reduced testosterone, biological men still retain a large advantage over their female competitors. There's an inherent contradiction that sports allowing transgender women to participate in female competitions can be both inclusive and fair, and the sooner this is realized and accepted, the better.


    Political split

    LEFT

    RIGHT

    More neutral political stance articles

    Sign up to our daily newsletter